When it comes to effortless appetizers that guests (and kids!) can’t stop reaching for, Little Smokies always top the list. These bite-sized smoked sausages are tender, savory, and incredibly versatile, making them the perfect recipe for holidays, game days, potlucks, or busy weeknight snacks. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the best Little Smokies recipe, plus tips, variations, serving ideas, and everything you need to create a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or want something quick and comforting, this easy Little Smokies appetizer will never let you down.
This little smokies recipe is so old; you’ve probably made or eaten these gems at a party. I wish you could smell my kitchen; it smells so good! I love appetizers, but this is a great after-school treat for my grandkids.
Here’s the deal: these little smokies were on sale, so I thought, wait, let’s buy a bunch and put these to good use! We are all concerned with recent events in our local area and worldwide. Let’s step back and make a treat for the family, have your neighbors over to share the perfect appetizer, or use it as one of many side dishes for guests on game day. Life must still go on, so here we go!
This Little Smokies Recipe is a sweet-and-tangy little hot dog, served on a toothpick or bamboo skewer, and ready to eat. What’s not to love?
If you keep some little smokies in your freezer and a couple of jars of jelly and chili sauce in your pantry, this is an easy recipe to make and take to any get-together. These are perfect for family reunions!
In case you missed this post, Little Smokies Pigs In A Blanket
Kitchen Items You May Need:
- Slow Cooker: I used my 3-1/2-quart slow Cooker
- Toothpicks or Bamboo Forks
Little Smokies Recipe
Step One: Gather Ingredients
This recipe has three ingredients, and it’s so easy to make! I love simple recipes that can be prepared in a hurry before cooking, and when I have all of the ingredients I need in the freezer, refrigerator, or pantry. My first step is always to double-check that I have everything I need.
Step Two: Add Smokies
Grab a slow cooker and place the Little Smokies in it.
Step Three: Add Grape Jelly
Add the grape jelly on top of the links.
Step Four: Add Chili Sauce
Then, add the chili sauce on top of the links. Turn the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours. Use a heatproof tool to place them on your serving tray once they’re heated through! Everyone loves this recipe!
Little Smokies Recipe
Little Smokies Recipe
Ingredients
- 12-18 ounces Grape Jelly
- 12 ounces Chili Sauce
- 3 pounds Little Smokies
Instructions
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Grab a slow cooker and place the Little Smokies in it.
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Add the grape jelly and chili sauce on the links.
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Turn the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours.
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Use a heat-proof tool to place them on your serving tray!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Little Smokies Recipe
- Effortless, 5 minutes of prep
- Slow cooker or stovetop friendly
- Sweet, tangy, smoky flavor everyone loves
- Budget-friendly appetizer
- Perfect for holidays, football parties, potlucks, and family movie nights
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for the Best Little Smokies
- Use quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
- Keep the crockpot on WARM during parties so guests can snack anytime.
- Doubling the recipe? No problem, use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.
- Serve with wooden toothpicks or mini forks for easy, mess-free snacking.
Little Smokies pair perfectly with:
- Baked beans
- Veggie trays
- Sliders or mini buns
- Mac and cheese
- Charcuterie boards
- Potato wedges or fries
- Deviled eggs
- Cornbread muffins
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Little Smokies
Add:
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot honey
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2. Brown Sugar Little Smokies
Add:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
3. Honey Garlic Little Smokies
Add:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves minced garlic or one teaspoon garlic powder
Can I freeze them after cooking them?
Yes, you can. Store what you can’t eat in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw the freezer container in the refrigerator the day before you need it.
Are the Little Smokies precooked?
I’m not sure about other brands, but the one I bought, shown above (Hillshire Farms Beef Lit’l Smokies), is precooked and ready to reheat and serve.
How many links are in ONE bag shown above (1.5 pounds)?
Curious, I counted the links; one package had 55 smokies. Please remember that no one will stop after eating just one little smokie! LOL! Ours disappeared in just a few minutes during dinner.
Can I cook these without a slow cooker?
OVEN: You can bake these (with the ingredients above) in the oven in a baking pan at (350°F) = (176°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
STOVETOP: Place the links in a large saucepan of water, bring to a boil, then drain. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir constantly.
Can I pan-fry these?
Yes, you can. Grab a frying pan, heat the links in a small amount of water until they are heated through, then drain. Add the grape jelly and chili sauce and simmer until heated through.
Are Lil Smokies hot dogs?
Pretty much, my friends. They are miniature hot dogs. They are great for snacks or appetizers. I recommend stocking your freezer with two or three bags for a last-minute dish to take to a party. Have a few jars of grape jelly and chili sauce on hand, and you are set.
What are these made out of?
Hillshire Farms, Hillshire Farm Little Smokies Smoked Sausages are the perfect snack. Made with farmhouse-quality cuts of beef and smoked to perfection, this cocktail sausage is fully cooked and bursting with meaty-smoked flavor. Heat these cocktail weenies on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven for a fun snack. Use these beef sausages to create appetizers, such as pigs in a blanket.
There may be similar products to these beef little smokies made from pork or chicken, but I love the flavor and texture of these in my recipe. When it comes to the sauce you cook them in, use creativity and create your own combination.
How many calories are in 5 links?
The links without sauce state (on the Hillshire Farms package) that five links are about 200 or 40 calories each.
Do these need to be cooked?
The ones pictured above are Hillshire Farms and only need reheating to enjoy. You simmer them in your favorite barbecue sauce on your stovetop in a saucepan or a slow cooker.
What goes well with Little Smokies?
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Rice
- Roasted Vegetables
- Baked French Fries
- Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Potatoes
- Cheesy Potatoes
Final Word
Little Smokies are one of those timeless appetizers that always deliver: easy to assemble, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or need something simple for a weeknight treat, this Little Smokies recipe is your new go-to. Make it sweet, savory, spicy, or smoky, and watch it become one of your most requested dishes year after year.
I hope you try my Little Smokies Recipe; let me know if you do and how they turn out. It’s a great recipe to teach our kids and grandkids to cook from scratch. Yes, this is an appetizer, but every recipe is a class in cooking, right? We all enjoy finger foods during the holidays, so why not make these for your next party or potluck contribution? Thanks for reading my blog today, and please keep stocking up and stay safe. May God bless this world, Linda
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